Posted: August 16th, 2017

When the post-cardiac surgery patient demonstrates restlessness, nausea, weakness, and peaked T waves, the nurse reviews the patient’s serum electrolytes anticipating which abnormality?

When the post-cardiac surgery patient demonstrates restlessness, nausea, weakness, and peaked T waves, the nurse reviews the patient’s serum electrolytes anticipating which abnormality?
a) Hyperkalemia
Hyperkalemia is indicated by mental confusion, restlessness, nausea, weakness, and dysrhythmias (tall, peaked T waves).
b) Hypercalcemia
Hypercalcemia would likely be demonstrated by asystole.
c) Hypomagnesemia
Hypomagenesemia would likely be demonstrated by hypotension, lethargy, and vasodilation.
d) Hyponatremia
Hyponatremia would likely be indicated by weakness, fatigue, and confusion without change in T wave formation.